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2 days ago

South Dakota House passes HB 1286 for Future Fund grant oversight; bill heads to Senate

The South Dakota House passed House Bill 1286, a measure requiring the governor to report to legislative committees on large Future Fund grants, adding new oversight for projects exceeding $1 million. The bill now moves to the Senate.

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2 days ago

South Dakota Senate committee kills data center moratorium bill targeting 50-megawatt projects

A proposed one-year moratorium on new or expanded “hyperscale” data centers in South Dakota failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee after a series of votes. Supporters said the pause would give counties, cities and utilities time to plan for large projects, while opponents argued local governments should decide.

2 days ago

Dakota Wesleyan to host free Midwinter Concerts Feb. 22 and March 1 in Mitchell

Dakota Wesleyan University’s Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music will present two free midwinter concerts at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 in the Sherman Center, with livestreams available online.

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3 days ago

Mitchell Planning Commission agenda: childcare conditional use, setback variance and Main Street plan review

Mitchell’s Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a childcare center on North Kimball Street, a setback variance for a West 8th Avenue addition, and a plan review for 505 N. Main St. The board will also review a new plat in Horseman’s Addition.

Davison Rural Water customers south and west of Highway 37 may experience low water pressure or service interruptions mid to late Wednesday morning due to ongoing maintenance work.

3 days ago

Mitchell leaders weigh holding water, sewer rates steady as future hikes for 2026-27 remain undecided

Mitchell city leaders are discussing whether to keep water and sewer utility rates unchanged beyond the already-approved 2025 increase, according to the Mitchell Republic. The city continues major water-supply planning while carrying more than $55 million in State Revolving Fund loan debt.

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3 days ago

Attorney General Jackley Releases 2025 Crime in South Dakota Report

The Crime in South Dakota 2025 Report includes 64,261 criminal offenses in 2025 compared to 68,388 in 2024. Drug offenses decreased 6.25 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. There were 6,358 drug offenses in 2025 compared to 6,782 in 2024.

3 days ago

Mitchell police investigating BankWest ATM “jackpotting” theft; about $80,000 taken

Mitchell police are investigating a late-night theft from two BankWest ATMs using a technique known as “jackpotting,” with an estimated $80,000 taken. The incidents happened late Friday, Feb. 13, into early Saturday, Feb. 14, and investigators are asking the public to report suspicious activity.

4 days ago

DWU to host “Parade of Planets + Blood Moon” planetarium shows Feb. 28 in Mitchell

Dakota Wesleyan University will offer four free planetarium showings Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring a guided “Parade of Planets” tour and tips for spotting a Blood Moon on March 3. Space is limited and registration is required.

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4 days ago

Gov. Larry Rhoden signs 12 bills; new South Dakota open government laws tighten meeting rules

Gov. Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills into law Feb. 13, including three Attorney General Marty Jackley measures aimed at strengthening South Dakota open government rules. The new laws update agenda requirements, tighten executive session rules and require agendas to be posted online at least 72 hours ahead of meetings.

4 days ago

Mitchell Trail Life USA troop wins team trophy at first regional Lego Pinewood Derby

A newly formed Trail Life USA troop based at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell won the traveling team trophy at a regional Lego Pinewood Derby competition in Sioux Falls. Leaders say the event showcased teamwork and leadership as the troop continues to grow.

4 days ago

Sen. Paul Miskimins: South Dakota lawmakers weigh one-time spending, reserve levels as budget talks accelerate

District 20 Sen. Paul Miskimins says lawmakers are shifting focus to one-time spending priorities as South Dakota’s budget work intensifies ahead of the Feb. 24 crossover deadline. The Joint Appropriations Committee recently updated revenue targets and lawmakers continue debating how much the state should keep in reserves.

4 days ago

Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon set for Feb. 23 on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT

The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.

5 days ago

South Dakota lawmakers advance mobile sports betting plan tied to property tax relief

A proposed constitutional amendment could put statewide mobile sports betting on South Dakota’s November 2026 ballot, with 90% of online wagering tax revenue directed to property tax relief. Gov. Larry Rhoden says he opposes expanding gaming but would not have veto power over a ballot measure.

5 days ago

South Dakota PUC approves $750M Philip Wind Project; largest wind farm in state planned near Philip

South Dakota regulators approved a permit for the 333-megawatt Philip Wind Project in Haakon County, a $750 million development expected to be the largest wind farm in the state. The Public Utilities Commission accepted a settlement outlining construction and operating requirements for the developer.

5 days ago

South Dakota FFA to mark National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026

South Dakota’s FFA chapters will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026, highlighting agricultural education and student leadership. The South Dakota FFA Association includes more than 6,500 members statewide.

6 days ago

Former First Avenue mobile home park in Mitchell to be redeveloped into 24 owner-occupied homes

Construction is expected to start in early April on a 24-unit owner-occupied housing development at Mitchell’s former First Avenue mobile home park site. The project will be built by Van Buskirk Construction after the city transferred the property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation.

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6 days ago

Davison County Commission to hold Feb. 17 meeting in Mitchell; liquor license hearing, rural water land discussion on agenda

The Davison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the North Offices Building in Mitchell. The agenda includes a Legacy Pointe liquor license hearing, a Davison Rural Water land discussion and a fairgrounds storage addition proposal.

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6 days ago

South Dakota drought worsens; moderate drought expands in southeast and southwest

Drought conditions are worsening across South Dakota, with moderate drought now showing up in parts of the southeast and southwest, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. About 29% of the state is rated abnormally dry, with 18.6% in moderate drought.

A weekly U.S. Department of Labor report shows South Dakota recorded 273 initial unemployment insurance claims for the week ending Feb. 7, up from 251 the prior week.

6 days ago

South Dakota initial unemployment claims rise to 273 in latest weekly report

New unemployment insurance claims in South Dakota ticked up to 273 for the week ending Feb. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationally, seasonally adjusted initial claims dipped to 227,000.

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1 week ago

South Dakota Senate advances mobile sports betting amendment tied to Deadwood casinos

South Dakota senators approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow statewide mobile sports betting routed through Deadwood-licensed casinos. Senate Joint Resolution 504 now heads to the South Dakota House.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in College, High School, Local Sports, Sports

Small Slate for Area Basketball, Mitchell Boys Region Wrestling, DWU Four Sports Weekend, SDSU Hoops Games & Timberwolves vs 76ers

Small Slate for Area Basketball, Mitchell Boys Region Wrestling, DWU Four Sports Weekend, SDSU Hoops Games & Timberwolves vs 76ers.

2 days ago in Agriculture, Government, Local

Rhoden signs South Dakota “trigger law” aimed at expanding direct-to-consumer meat sales

Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a bill designed to make it easier for South Dakotans to buy certain meat cuts directly from producers — but the change would only take effect if Congress first amends federal law. The measure was sponsored by Rep. John Shubeck of Beresford.

2 days ago in Business, Government, Local

South Dakota House passes HB 1286 for Future Fund grant oversight; bill heads to Senate

The South Dakota House passed House Bill 1286, a measure requiring the governor to report to legislative committees on large Future Fund grants, adding new oversight for projects exceeding $1 million. The bill now moves to the Senate.